A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after a shark attack at 4:20 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18 along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, Sydney Harbour.
At a Glance
- Teen rescued within minutes by Marine Area Command and Eastern Suburbs Police
- Suffered serious leg injuries consistent with a large shark bite
- Transported to Children’s Hospital at Randwick in critical condition
- Why it matters: Authorities urge swimmers to avoid the area as investigation continues
Emergency services responded to Australia’s national emergency number, 000, after reports the boy had been bitten while jumping off rocks at the end of the beach. Water Police officers administered first aid before paramedics took over at Rose Bay wharf.
Rescue and Medical Response
Officers pulled the teen from the water off Shark Beach and provided immediate care. NSW Ambulance paramedics continued treatment en route to the Children’s Hospital at Randwick, where he remains unidentified publicly.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is working to identify the shark species involved. Authorities have not released further details on the size or type of shark.
Safety Advisory
NSW Police issued a clear warning: swimmers should avoid entering waters near the attack site until further notice. Beaches in the area remain under surveillance.
Recent History
The incident follows a fatal attack in November 2025 at Kylies Beach campground, where a Swiss woman in her 20s died and a man was seriously injured. That attack was attributed to a 10-foot bull shark, according to the Department of Primary Industries.
Marcus L. Bennett reported for News Of Los Angeles that photos from Sunday’s scene show ambulances and rescue boats positioned along the shoreline.
Authorities have not indicated when the beach will reopen.
